Skiing or Skating Training Assist

ABSTRACT

Described is an apparatus to facilitate training for skiing, skating, rollerblading, and the like, where an experienced person may assist or direct a novice. The apparatus includes a central support bar with three crossbars, one for the experienced person to grasp and two for the novice to hold onto and sit on or put behind the knees, respectively.

The current application claims a priority to the U.S. Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 61/793,648 filed on Mar. 15, 2013. The current application is filed on Mar. 18, 2014 while Mar. 15, 2014 was on a weekend. The next business day is Mar. 18, 2014 while Mar. 16, 2013 was a weekend and Mar. 17, 2013 occurred when the USPTO was closed due to inclement weather.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to an apparatus and method for one person to guide another in a recreational sport, and more particularly, to a training device and method used between an experienced skier, skater, rollerblader, or the like, thereby facilitating the novice; skiers, skaters, rollerbladers, or the like's development of confidence, skill, and self-control.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Numerous prior arts show numerous devices that can attach an experienced person to a novice, such as children, in training. U.S. patent 20060110716A1 is an apparatus and method for ski training that comprises a stiff, curvilinear padded frontal section, a strap, and a handle. U.S. Pat. No. 3,014,284 is another apparatus for a ski trainer that comprises a rigid shaft, a handle at one end, a frame, and a plurality of straps. But those devices rely on securing a device to the novice person where the experienced person could control the motion of the novice. The current device is not attached to the novice or experienced person in any manner. As such, the device is simpler, and can be quicker, to install and remove the novice on/from the apparatus. The current apparatus is also unique in its inclusion of a crossbar for a novice to sit upon or put behind his or her knees until ability or self-confidence increase so that the novice is capable of supporting his or herself. This is especially beneficial for infants or toddlers who are not completely proficient in walking or whose natural tendency it is to sit down when gliding forward.

It was essential in getting the present inventor's 10 month-old actually moving on skis. Not only did other trainers not enable him to go downhill, he was unable to ski on a flat surface. He kept going into a squat position that caused him to fall over when he was moved forward. The present inventor needed to be able to keep him upright without the need to stand directly over him to pull him up. Once the present inventor employed this device, he was able to glide on skis on a flat surface. As a 22 month old, he was comfortable with going up and down the bunny hill.

An objective of this invention is to provide an apparatus to facilitate acclimating a novice to the feel of gliding motion (e.g. sliding forward on skis while keeping legs motionless) and to improve the ability of a novice to safely participate in skiing, skating, rollerblading, etc. The apparatus and method facilitate teaching by incorporating a stiff main bar with three stiff crossbars to provide a link between two persons.

In summary, disclosed herein are a method and apparatus for directing and controlling a person in order to facilitate their successful gliding while on skis, skates, rollerblades, etc. This method and apparatus is particularly suited for stabilizing a novice as they acquire the balance and confidence necessary for basic maneuvers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention with collapsible handles and an additional bar for the trainer to lift the novice.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the embodiment in FIG. 3 with the handles collapsed.

DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. The present invention is to be described in detail and is provided in a manner that establishes a thorough understanding of the present invention. There may be aspects of the present invention that may be practiced without the implementation of some features as they are described. It should be understood that some details have not been described in detail in order to not unnecessarily obscure focus of the invention. It is also noted that the various drawings illustrating the present invention are not to scale and that certain regions may have been purposely drawn disproportionately so that the features and concepts of the present invention could be properly illustrated.

The present invention is an apparatus intended for use in assisting small children in learning to ski, skate, rollerblade, or the like and aiding in acclimating them to the activity. The present invention will be described herein using two skiers in tandem relationship whereby one skier is in direct control of the other as an example. However, it will be appreciated that the present invention may be used in a variety of training activities where an experienced person may wish to control or direct the movement of a novice or less experienced person. Examples of such activities include not only skiing, but also ice skating, roller-skating, rollerblading, and various other sports where a link is desired between the experienced person and the novice. It is also contemplated that the disclosed method and apparatus may be employed to facilitate the activity with visually impaired persons or persons having other disabilities.

Referring to FIGS. 1-2, the present invention generally comprises a central support bar 1 and a plurality of crossbars 2. The plurality of crossbars 2 is connected to the central support bar 1, and the plurality of crossbars 2 is positioned linearly along the central support bar 1. The central support bar 1 and the plurality of crossbars 2 should be made of a material with sufficient strength and stiffness to withstand the weight of a small child without breaking, bending or otherwise deforming. Metal such as but not limited to steel is an appropriate choice for the construction of the present invention, but any other desired material may be used that fulfills the aforementioned strength and stiffness requirements. As used herein, the term “stiff” is intended to convey the normal characterization of a particular component or material. However, it should also be appreciated that due to the nature of the present invention, the materials employed are intentionally lightweight, and when assembled into the disclosed apparatus, will have some inherent flexure depending on the structures and dimensions employed to implement the apparatus.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the central support bar 1 is simply a straight, elongated bar. Alternate embodiments, however, may comprise a different shape for the central support bar 1, such as, but not limited to, bent or curvilinear. Similarly, each of the plurality of crossbars 2 is not restricted to being straight, and may take other forms such as, but not limited to, bent or curvilinear. Additionally, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention the central support bar 1 is adjustable in length. This is preferably accomplished by having one or more concentric, telescoping sections of the central support bar 1 which may be adjusted in length and fixed in place by means of a pin 6, latch or other mechanism as seen in FIGS. 1-2. Alternatively, the central support bar 1 may be comprised of two or more bar sections which can be separated from each other for storage and reattached for use.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of crossbars 2 comprises a first crossbar 3, a second crossbar 4, and a third crossbar 5, as shown in FIG. 2. Each of the plurality of crossbars 2 is oriented perpendicular to the central support bar 1, parallel to each other and positioned symmetrically about the central support bar 1. However, in alternate embodiments of the present invention, some or all of the plurality of crossbars 2 may be oriented or positioned differently relative to each other or to the central support bar 1. For example, in one embodiment the second and/or third crossbar 5 is curved in order to facilitate a more comfortable pulling arrangement for the trainee, while the first crossbar 3 is straight.

The first crossbar 3 and the third crossbar 5 are positioned opposite each other along the central support bar 1. In the preferred embodiment, the first crossbar 3 and the third crossbar 5 are positioned at opposing extremities of the central support bar 1, but in alternate embodiments the first crossbar 3 and/or the third crossbar 5 are positioned a small distance from the respective extremities of the central support bar 1. The second crossbar 4 is positioned between the first crossbar 3 and the second crossbar 4. The second crossbar 4 should be closer to the third crossbar 5 than to the first crossbar 3.

The first crossbar 3 provides a grip for the experienced person in the aforementioned tandem ski training scenario. The third crossbar 5 is intended to go behind the knees of the novice, or the novice can sit upon the third crossbar 5. The second crossbar 4 provides a grip for the novice.

Each of the plurality of crossbars 2 is connected to the central support bar 1 by any desirable means. In one embodiment of the present invention, each of the plurality of crossbars 2 is welded to the central support bar 1. In another embodiment, the central support bar 1 comprises a plurality of holes through which the plurality of crossbars 2 are inserted and subsequently affixed to, either by welding, by using latches, pins or any other desired means.

Referring to FIGS. 3-4, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, each of the plurality of crossbars 2 comprises collapsible handles. As such, each of the plurality of crossbars 2 comprises a central portion 21, a first handle 22 and a second handle 23. The first handle 22 is connected to the central portion 21 and the second handle 23 is connected to the central portion 21 opposite the first handle 22. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention the first handle 22 and the second handle 23 of each of the plurality of crossbars 2 is collapsible. This can be accomplished in a variety of ways.

In one embodiment, the first handle 22 is rotatably connected to the central portion 21 by a first hinge 24, and the second handle 23 is rotatably connected to the central portion 21 by a second hinge 25. This allows the first handle 22 and the second handle 23 to fold in on itself in order to take up less space. Alternatively, in another embodiment the first handle 22 and the second handle 23 each comprise a plurality of telescoping portions.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first handle 22 and the second handle 23 each comprise a padded portion 26 for comfort during use of the present invention.

Another feature comprised in the preferred embodiment of the present invention is a lower support handle 7 as shown in FIGS. 3-4. The lower support handle 7 is connected to the central support bar 1, preferably somewhere between the first crossbar 3 and the second crossbar 4. The lower support handle 7 provides the user guiding the trainee with additional means and leverage for guiding the trainee. In one embodiment, the lower support handle 7 is a straight, stiff rod that is oriented perpendicular to the central support bar 1 and to the plurality of crossbars 2.

The present invention can be used as a leverage aid to pull the novice forward either on a flat surface, uphill, or downhill. The experienced person can be with or without the activity equipment, such as skis or snowboard. The third crossbar 5 is placed behind the legs of the novice. It is easiest if the present invention is placed on the novice first. One end of the third crossbar 5 is then placed between the legs of the novice, subsequently twisting the apparatus so that the other end of the third crossbar 5 passes between the legs of the novice. The crossbar can be placed behind the knees or higher up the legs so that the novice can sit, whichever is preferred. The novice then grips the handle consisting of the second crossbar 4 (until the novice no longer requires the use of hands). The experienced person grips the first crossbar 3 to pull the novice forward and guide direction. If the novice tends to go into a squat position, the third crossbar 5 will keep the novice elevated and/or the lower support handle 7 can be used to lift the novice back into a standing position. If the novice has stability or confidence problems, holding onto a handle can increase either or both but can also cause the novice to pitch too far forward (and falling onto face) if he or she does not maintain the necessary body alignment to cause his or her legs to also move forward. The third crossbar 5 will pull the novice's legs forward such that the entire body moves forward in a glide.

As seen from the aforementioned description of the apparatus and illustrated use, the present invention is a valuable tool for the teaching and improvement of recreational skiing and other sports. The present invention allows for the establishment of a positive and productive relationship between two persons for either teaching principles and methods or, simply, safe pleasurable recreational activity with another person. The distinct advantage of the disclosed method and apparatus is the ability for the novice to hold onto one component and sit on or put another component of the device behind their knees to provide stability. This provides the necessary safety and self-confidence to establish an enthusiasm for the chosen activity.

It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the exact details of construction, materials, or operations shown and described, as obvious modifications and equivalents will be apparent to one skilled in the art. For example, the main bar can straight, bent, or curved. As mentioned, this apparatus can be modified to incorporate any collapsing mechanisms for ease of transport or padding to increase the comfort of the experience person and/or novice. The operation of the apparatus can be expanded when the novice the gains skill or confidence to use the apparatus without utilizing the second crossbar 4 as a handle/grip. Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A skiing or skating training assist comprises: a central support bar; a plurality of crossbars; the plurality of crossbars being connected to the central support bar; and the plurality of crossbars being positioned linearly along the central support bar;
 2. The skiing or skating training assist as claimed in claim 1 comprises: each of the plurality of crossbars being oriented perpendicular to the central support bar.
 3. The skiing or skating training assist as claimed in claim 1 comprises: the plurality of crossbars comprises a first crossbar, a second crossbar, and a third crossbar; the first crossbar and the third the first crossbareing positioned opposite each other along the central support bar; and the second the first crossbareing positioned between the first crossbar and the second crossbar.
 4. The skiing or skating training assist as claimed in claim 1 comprises: each of the plurality of crossbars being oriented parallel to each other.
 5. The skiing or skating training assist as claimed in claim 1 comprises: each of the plurality of crossbars being positioned laterally symmetric about the central support bar.
 6. The skiing or skating training assist as claimed in claim 1 comprises: the central support bar being adjustable in length.
 7. The skiing or skating training assist as claimed in claim 1 comprises: each of the plurality of crossbars comprises a central portion, a first handle and a second handle.
 8. The skiing or skating training assist as claimed in claim 7 comprises: the central portion being connected to the central support bar; the first handle being connected to the central portion; the second handle being connected to the central portion opposite the first handle;
 9. The skiing or skating training assist as claimed in claim 7 comprises: the first handle and the second handle being collapsible.
 10. The skiing or skating training assist as claimed in claim 7 comprises: the first handle being rotatably connected to the central portion by a first hinge. the second handle being rotatably connected to the central portion by a second hinge.
 11. The skiing or skating training assist as claimed in claim 7 comprises: the first handle and the second handle each comprise a plurality of telescoping portions.
 12. The skiing or skating training assist as claimed in claim 1 comprises: the first handle and the second handle each comprise a padded portion.
 13. The skiing or skating training assist as claimed in claim 1 comprises: a lower support handle being connected to the central support bar.
 14. The skiing or skating training assist as claimed in claim 13 comprises: the lower support handle being oriented perpendicular to the central support bar and to the plurality of crossbars.
 15. The skiing or skating training assist as claimed in claim 1 comprises: the lower support handle being positioned between the first crossbar and the second crossbar. 